Wednesday, January 28, 2009

INTERNET SAFETY

The internet has been one the most beneficial tools for learning today. When talking about Internet and Internet Safety, there are numerous of benefits and risks that come to mind. For example, as we already know, It is a great tool for teachers to use to make learning in their classrooms more productive. Also, a teriffic way of communication between relatives, friends, and co-workers. Social networking sites such as Myspace and Facebook have impacted the internet community with its popularity. People have the ability to create their your own profiles, blog with others, and have access to do other capabilities. With that said, many risks can also occur. What was once only available for people of age 18 and older is now available to teens at the young age of 13. Internet predators are looking to be heard from and for those who will accept communication with them. It is extremely important that parents know what is going on and carefully monitor their child's online activities to prevent any harm or danger. It is also important that they do not share any personal information such as street addresses, cities, or phone numbers for internet strangers who may have access to them.
I have just finished watching the three internet safefty videos. These videos talk about detailed information that is extremely important for children raging from middle school all the way up to teenagers going to their first year of college. The first one looked liked it targeted late teenagers. The person who created the video did a great job posting questions and answers to realistic situations that commonly occur. They also provided a list of steps of what to do if a stranger keeps taunting or bothering you and also some hints to know beforehand what type of users they are. Also, the websites listed can be useful for these teens that may be experiencing some of these problems. The second video was meant for a younger audience around the age of 13. The difference between the two was that the second video provided pictures and phrases along with a teacher typle monologue but still came across the same message as in the first one. The third one was more for children at an earlier ages with its cartoon type graphics and effects. It repeated the same 8 steps numerous types and was very appropriate for the young.
In conclusion, internet safety should be taken seriously. Most of the young spend countless hours on the internet along with being on these social networking websites. By viewing videos such as these, many of the young can gain the necessary skills on how to protect themselves on the computer.
Hey everyone! Posting for the first time. Just a test run to see if it works. I'll be blogging again soon.